This book was very very good. The characters were well developed. The settings well envisioned. Overall a great book. I look forward to reading more from this author

Publisher's Description:

Appearances can be deceiving…

Vice merchant Maxwell Gideon is wickedly handsome, sinfully arrogant, and devilishly ruthless. Rumor has it, his gaming hell has the power to steal souls and grant miracles. Truth is, Max only owns half of The Cloven Hoof. He’d buy out his silent partner if he knew the man’s identity. But it’s hard to focus on business matters when a fallen angel tumbles right into one’s lap…

Miss Bryony Grenville has a well-earned reputation as an unrepentant hoyden. But even the gossipiest of the pinch-faced matrons ruling High Society could never imagine the daughter of a baron secretly financing the ton’s most infamous gambling parlor. Its maddening, sexy proprietor doesn’t suspect a thing… and two can play at temptation!

My Thoughts:


I loved this newest release in Erica Ridley's Rogues to Riches Series.

Bryony is quite the character. She is unrepentant of her slightly mannish ways. Is it not just like this daughter of a baron to secretly finance an infamous gambling parlor a fact that even it's owner is unaware of.

Maxwell Gordon is determined to buy out his secret co-owner of the Cloven Hoof. He has no idea who it is. When he discovers the identity of this person he is surprised to find a woman behind the mask.

Will their clash of wills be the end of what could be a magical relationship or will they come together to create something more?

I gave this newest book in this series 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames. The heat between this hero and heroine is palpable and makes for some very sensuous and heated exchanges.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book by invitation to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

J received a free ARC version of the book in exchange for a honest review. All critiques and opinions are my own.

As the blub says, Max owns a gambling hell and Bryony is his silent partner (unkown to him). She wants to know more about the business and eventually they meet face to face in an unorthodox way.

I wasn't expecting to love the book as much as I did. I love a rogue as much as the next women but Max is ingenious (and extremely hot). From the first books description of him, I didn't think I would like him as much or he would be more on an anti-hero (I love that type of romance book as well but he's still a hero, albiet a little unorthodox). Bryony is the impitamy of a modern women in a historical time. She loves math, intellectual challenges and craves independence. She doesn't want a husband that wants her for her dowery because her mother managed to trap him for her. She really wants to be independently wealthy or at least have the freedom to choose her own future. She and Max feel perfect for each other. They think alike in so many ways.

The book is part of a series and should be read in order as it has many characters that appear from previous books. Max, himself, was a well known charcter in in previous books. In order to get the full character development the previous books should be read first.

My only issue with the book was how easy the happily ever after came. It felt like there should have been more angst. What do I know though? The book is a Cinderella style historical romance. And even though I felt the ending came too easy, I still loved the book.

Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley has it all! A strong heroine, an intriguing hero, lots of supporting characters with interesting stories of their own, romance, growth and a great story! Highly recommend Lord of Vice for its unique storyline and focus on class.

I simply can not say enough times how much I love this book!! Lord of Vice is the story of Miss Bryony Grenville the last unmarried Grenville sibling, and her parents are determined that she will be wed this season. She is a brilliant woman who has a secret that would shock the entire ton were they to ever to find out. She is the silent partner of Maxwell Gideon, the owner and ruler of The Cloven Hoof, the most popular gambling parlor in London. Max has no idea that his partner is this beautiful, spunky, smart woman, but after she steals her way into his club and his life, he simple cant help but let her into his heart as well. I would definitely recommend this book it was a great read, and I cant wait to see what Erica Ridley will bring us next.

Book 6 in the Rogues to Riches series. - Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley is the story of Maxwell Gideon and Bryony Grenville. The intriguing Bryony has a sharp mind for numbers and investments. She has to disguise her persona for the same as she is a woman.
Max, known as Lord of Vice owns the gaming hell The Cloven Hoof with his silent partner from whom he is trying to buy out the ownership. The book is all about how Bryony and Max finds love for each other and also opens up new and interesting events for the society.
A very good read.

Maxwell Gideon has risen from poverty to run The Cloven Hoof, a gaming hell that he controls who can have a membership. He has a silent partner that he wants to buy out but refuses to meet with him.

Byrony Grenville is the youngest daughter of a Baron. Her mother's goal is for Byrony to be married by the end of the season. Byrony a secret. She has used her skills to invest in the ton's most infamous gambling parlor. When Gideon wants to buy her out, she makes a secret visit to The Cloven Hoof to see if her investment is sound. An unexpected meeting leads to temptation. Can two people from opposite sides of society find true love?

I did not want to put this book down once I started reading. I loved the characters. Byrony was a smart heroine that met her match in Max. I liked how Byrony didn't care about Max's background but fell in love with the strong man that is Max. I hope Max's sister gets her own HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the author. Thank you!

I look forward to books with heart, a quality that settles over me as I read. I want to connect with characters and find something in them that makes me care. I found that in Erica Ridley's most recent Rogues to Riches series, LORD OF VICE. Oh, boy, did I find that!

The Regency era in England was a lavish and exciting time -- but only for a select group, collectively referred to as "the ton." Others were simply managing to find their way by existing on the edges of the excitement and frivolity, working for their livings, and taking pride in their own efforts. When characters from each strata come together, there are sure to be some marked differences of opinion. That's exactly where we find Miss Bryony Grenville and Max Gideon when they meet at The Cloven Hoof, Max's gambling club. Max's interest in his club is for obvious reasons, but it turns out the Bryony has good reason for her interest, too. Unbeknown to Max, Bryony owns the building and the land the club sits on, negotiating with Max through her brother, Heath (LORD OF SECRETS).

Bryony is wonderful! She's a strong and independent-minded woman in an era when embroidery is considered a necessary life skill for a female. Bryony disagrees. Vehemently. Instead, she's fascinated by business and investments, only occasionally acquiescing to her mother's demands that she play her Stradivarius violin in programs attended by a few chosen, elite individuals.

Max, too, is strong and independent-minded. He has sacrificed a great deal to finally reach his goals. He needs no one to succeed; he has done it all himself. He'd be satisfied if it weren't for his stubborn sister insisting on continuing to work as a seamstress, or his pesky landlord who will not sell him the building he is currently renting for his club.

Dressed in men's clothing, Bryony sneaks into the club after hours to take a look around (she has a key because, of course, she owns the building) and, unfortunately, is discovered by Max. From an inauspicious first meeting, they grow to understand what motivates the other and find that, perhaps, they are not that different.

I loved both characters and, yes — respected them. They each had such impressive talents, but also a depth of character that was gradually revealed. THE LORD OF VICE definitely had that quality of heart that makes a book so appealing and I enjoyed every word of it.

Ms. Ridley is fantastic. I was hooked and felt connected to the characters within the first few pages.
Her characters have so much depth that makes the reader feel engaged and engrossed in the story. I love Regency stories with strong female characters that challenge social expectations of that time.

Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley is book 6 in the Rogues to Riches series. This is the story of Maxwell Gideon and Bryony Grenville. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Bryony has a sharp mind for investments but has to conceal it via a false identity due to her standing and being a women. But as the last sibling not married and considered somewhat of a hoyden...her marriage minding mamma is working to get her married.
Max owns The Cloven Hoof but their is a silent partner involved with his business that he is trying to unmask so that he can fully own the business and land.
Bryony sneaks into The Cloven Hoof to try to get more information on this buy out of the business she is secretly involved in. This leads her to meet Max and they start a friendship of sorts. But what was building up has now come crumbling down...can they find themselves back to each other?
Another great read by this author! Can't wait for the next book by Ms. Ridley.

This is Bryony and Max' story.
Bryony is a hoydan. She is definitely not a rule follower. Her parents want her to marry and are ready to choose a husband for her. He must be titled and a match that will be adventageous. In other words, boring. Byrony has been secretly making her own way. She has been investing her pin money and amassed a good sum of money. But she cashed that in and secretly donated it to the school her sister runs. The only investments she has left are her portion of the ownership of The Cloven Hoof and the land/building that house it.

Max came from nothing. His mother and father worked themselves to death so their children could have more than they did. When his dad died, Max went to work on the dock in his place. He started the Cloven Hoof as a place where not just the elite and titled could go. But he needed an investor in order to do it. Now that he has succeeded, he wants nothing more than to own everything outright. The business will be all his when the contract expires shortly but he still needs to buy out the owner of the building/property. The person is anonymous so he goes to the person who set up the deal, who happens to be Byrony's brother. He tells him he wants to buy out the owner and makes a high offer. Byrony is concerned and thinks it's a bad business decision. So she sneeks into the club after hours to see what is up. But Max finds her.

Over time, they strike up a friendship and the attraction grows. But how can a gaming hell owner and untitled son of a dock worker marry the daughter of a titled man?

Loved this book and the series. Can't wait for the next one.

This might just be my favorite installment in this series. Both Briony and Max were loveable characters on their own, and together, they were perfect equals setting out on future adventures.

Max, having worked his way up from nothing to owning a popular gaming hell, is trying to finally be rid of his investor who holds the last shares in his club. Finding out that his mystery benefactor is a woman of willpower and brains to match his own, he is far from appalled at a woman having the nerve to reach above her station. Intrigued, he sets out figure out what makes this woman who she is. Bryony, with her analytical nature and mathematical skills, has always been laughed at. Her mother is driven to despair by what she calls her "mannish", uncontrollable daughter and finally offers an ultimatum: decide on a husband, or marry the man of her parents' choosing. She is not amused when her daughter seems to settle for a commoner…

This was really cute and fun! I loved how Max and Bryony got to know each other, admired each other's talents and made sure the other one got a chance to shine. They are such a lovely couple, it can't be said enough!

This may be my favorite Erica Ridley and a definite keeper. Bryony is a brilliant young lady who's a member of the aristocracy. Her parents are constantly pressuring her to behave "appropriately" in order to marry well. She in turn despises the life she is leading. Her passion is for investments and organization, which she has been successfully pursuing for years under a male pseudonym. One of her most successful ventures is backing The Cloven Hoof, Maxwell Gideon's gambling den. Max too is an interesting character. He is from a disadvantaged background but has managed to create a popular and profitable business while also being a decent human being. Bryony disguises herself as a boy in order to get into the casino in order to assess it's profitability. Her disguise doesn't fool Max for long and the two of them develop a relationship based on mutual admiration and attraction. Both characters are smart and nuanced without the usual stupid behavior and silly misunderstandings. There is explicit sex but it is part of a relationship rather than gratuitous. The relationship has depth and is emotionally involving. A great read.

Love, love, love this series! The Lord of Vice is a brilliant capstone in the tales of Rogues to Riches. Bryony and Max are so perfect for each other and each helps the other let go of old hurts and misconceptions. I adore how harmonious they are, though Max is reluctant to admit this.

Ms. Ridley, as always, is adept at conveying the nuances of emotion and is not afraid to let her characters really feel.

Having read all the other Rogues to Riches novels, I was happy to read Bryony and Max's story, as references to both these characters had been woven into previous books in the series. Max is a self-made man and despite his background, he is nevertheless trustworthy and loyal, never loses control and always does the right thing by the people who count in his life. Bryony is the youngest of the Grenville siblings and to some degree the wildest. She has also been gifted with an amazing business brain, much to her mother's consternation. The attraction between Max and Bryony is inevitable, but crossing the great divide between nobility and commoners is a no-go area. Max has no intention of crossing that line but doesn't count on Bryony's determination. Apart from encountering a man who is willing to treat her as an equal, Bryony finds in Max a man she can respect, for whom she is willing to give up her independence. Unfortunately, there is Lady Grenville to take into account, and Bryony knows that winning her mother's approval will be impossible. Apart from the forbidden romance in this book, it also brings out the strong relationship between the Grenville siblings, who have all found love and happiness, in spite of their mother's interference. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the build-up of the relationship between Max and Bryony, as well as the way in which barriers to their relationship came tumbling down. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I loved this story between Max and Briony, it's got a few secrets just waiting to come out, romance around the corner, snobbish disapproval from the higher class (parents). I was hooked

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

Rating: 3.75/5

This was a short historical romance that had passionate arguments and designed around the fact that class nor upbringing should determine your fate. I enjoyed this book but wouldn't list it as my absolute favorites. If you're looking for a nice, sweet romance with minimal adventure then this is for you.

- Characters -
Lord of Vice was pretty interesting - all broody and stuck up in his own way because he feels he's never good enough despite his success. I enjoyed Bryony's character more - she was brave and courageous, witty and humorous. I felt she fell too fast in love with Max. With the plot designed the way it was, she should have gone through more obstacles with him before just instantly loving him from that first encounter.

- Setting/World -
I really liked that the author incorporated gender equality in a patriarchal society. It provided the story with enough *relatability* for me to like it. I never understood how women could stand to live in the regency era and this novel turned the tables to show how possible it really was.

- Writing -
Well-paced and thoughtful of each character's personality. Each person definitely had their own voice so you could immediately tell whose POV you were reading. I loved the banter between Max and Bryony - it could have potentially led up to even more playful arguments between them making their love story more meaningful for me.

Loved this book and I couldn't put it down. It was amazing and I was sad to see it end. Can't wait for more.

I think Bryony Grenville might just be my favourite Regency heroine ever, and that’s seriously saying something. She’s amazing, though, a violin prodigy who plays only to please those she loves, a mathematical and business genius who has no choice but to operate under a pseudonym. She sneaks into the hero’s office and when he catches her, she totally disarms him with her unique manner and when he is (rightfully) outraged and called her a couple of unflattering names, she is quite unaccountably delighted because nobody has ever looked at her in that way before. ‘That way’ being as something other than a debutante who is way too unconventional for most men.

Finding a debutante in his office dressed in men’s clothing is the last thing Maxwell Gideon expects. Discovering she knows almost more about his business than he does is a shock, but he’s not above using her brains to help him improve his profit margins. Somehow, she worms herself into his life, and before he knows it, he can’t do without her. Or doesn’t want to, anyway.

I absolutely loved this couple together. The way Max respected Bryony’s unique skills and treated her as an equal was so refreshing, as was Bryony’s attitude. She loved even her demanding mother, but was still determined to live her own life, and on her terms, and Max not only accepted that, he actively aided and abetted her to finding her way forward. The romance between them was just a juicy sidebar to the greater story of character development.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series by Erica Ridley, and this one was the best of the lot, with only minor appearances from characters from earlier books and no need to have read them to understand everything which happened in this one. If you’re not already reading this excellent author, make sure you put this one on your list to read!

Maxwell Gideon is the infamous Lord of Vice, owner of the Cloven Hoof, one of London’s most popular gaming hells. An exclusive club where admittance is strictly at his approval only. There is no class distinction at the Cloven Hoof. Members of the nobility rub shoulders with merchants and tradesmen and people are clamouring for membership. Max has very few ambitions in life, mainly to gain sole ownership of his club from his investor, purchase the building its in & expand his enterprise. Unbeknownst to Max his silent partner is none other than Bryony Grenville, who not only put up the money for the Cloven Hoof but is also his ‘landlord’ having bought the title to the property. Bryony has recently been given an ultimatum from her mother, to find a husband, preferably an earl or above or her parents will choose one for her so when she receives Max’s offer to buy out her interest she decides she has to see the club for herself before she can make her decision and, since it’s a Men only club, what’s a girl going to do but disguise herself as a man and break in.

This was the first book I have read by Erica Ridley and it certainly won’t be the last. I loved the way this book is written. The banter between Max and Bryony had me smiling as I read it and I loved the slow, gradual development of the relationship between Max and Bryony – such a refreshing change from the usual love at first sight, at least on the part of the heroine routine. They became friends first with Max being impressed with Bryony’s intellect and business sense while Bryony admired his drive and ambition. This gradually deepens into something stronger but Max doesn’t think that he’s good enough for her. That there’s any chance for the son of a dock worker and a baron’s daughter and even though he meets her family and finds them a diverse group who in no way consider him beneath them. He knows there’s no way her parents would ever find him a suitable match for their daughter. While all this is going on, Bryony still has to tell him who she really is in relation to his club. Will he be able to forgive her or will this just make him decide that he’s right and the differences between them are just too great for them to have any kind of future.

For all this is Book six in the Rogues to Riches series and I’ve read it first I don’t think this spoilt my enjoyment of Lord of Vice even though it has couples in it whose stories were obviously dealt within previous books. I’ve now downloaded two more books from this author and can’t wait to read them. As far as historical authors go, in my opinion, this one is right up there with Stephanie Laurens.